HB Status as of 2/28/25:
This bill has passed out of its first two committees (HSG & JHA) with amendments however, was not heard by the House FIN committee by the first decking deadline. This bill is dead.
SB Status as of 2/10/25:
This bill was deferred by the Senate PSM committee. This bill is dead.
Why Hawaiʻi YIMBY Supports This Bill:
The International Building Code is updated every three years and allows for introduction of new building materials, technology and processes, and the correction of previously identified problems. In order to adopt these codes to fit Hawaiʻi's unique environment, the State Building Code Council (and then counties) amends and adopts these codes, on an ongoing basis.
Recently, the State Building Code Council and Counties has fallen behind on adopting the most recent building code revisions, and have defaulted to adopting them without modification. Falling behind and adopting unnecessary code requirements add unnecessary costs to building housing.
This bill seeks simplify the process with a single Statewide Building Code, removing the requirement that counties amend and adopt their own building codes. This, along with fully funding the State Building Code Council, will help us stay up-to-date with the most recent building code and not miss out on new building technology that could greatly improve our building techniques.
Bill Description:
- Beginning on the date the International Code Council 2024 suite of published codes is adopted as the Hawaiʻi state building code, makes the most recent Hawaiʻi state building codes adopted by the state building code council supersede all existing county building codes and thereafter allows counties to amend the Hawaiʻi state building code as it applies within their jurisdiction.
- Repeals the counties' authority to adopt, amend, and update the Hawaiʻi state building codes for their respective county building codes. Effective 1/1/3000. (HD1)
This page will be updated periodically throughout the legislative session. For the most up-to-date status, please visit the bill's page on the Hawai'i State Legislature's website.